The Morgan Motor Company has long been famous for its use of ash wood in the construction of its cars, but the 111-year-old firm has now discovered a creative use for the surplus material, with the launch of its Morgan x Piston Gin, produced in collaboration with Piston Distillery.
Believed to be the world’s first ash-infused gin, it is made using delicate shavings of the wood that is used to form the body-supporting frame on every Morgan. This frame sits on the CX-Generation bonded aluminium platform – or, historically, Morgan’s venerable steel chassis – on every four-wheeled Morgan, supporting the car’s bodywork. The use of wood – chosen for its pliable nature, light weight and sustainability – has been part of Morgan’s coachbuilding method since it launched its first car, a three wheeler, in 1909.
Morgan x Piston Gin features notes of natural crisp sweet apple and delicate wood from the carefully selected shavings of ash. Its signature pour is a ginger ale mixer, garnished with fresh blackberries and plenty of ice.
The spirit is produced by Piston Distillery, a gin maker founded in 2018. Its award-winning gin combines 14 botanicals to deliver a unique taste and captivating experience from the moment the stainless steel bottle top is removed. A distinguished local producer with a shared dedication to skilled craftsmanship, high quality, and an appreciation of classic style, its values perfectly reflect Morgan’s. Based in Worcester, just nine miles from Morgan’s famous factory on Pickersleigh Road in Malvern, the fellow Worcestershire-based brand was also chosen as part of Morgan’s commitment to working with local businesses.
Morgan x Piston Gin is on sale now from Morgan’s online shop, priced at £45.00, or £55.00 presented in a gift box. To ensure delivery before Christmas, or for multiple orders, it is recommended that customers call the Morgan shop on 01684 573104 or email contact@morgan-motor.co.uk before placing their order.
Toby Blythe, Head of Marketing, Morgan Motor Company, said, “Ash wood forms one of Morgan’s three core materials, alongside aluminium and leather, and as such is intrinsic to our coachbuilding identity. When we worked with the expert distillers at Piston Gin – who are based just down the road from us, in Worcester – we were curious to find out how this material could be infused with their acclaimed gins. The result, we believe, speaks for itself. The new Morgan x Piston Gin makes the perfect gift for Christmas or any other celebration, or just a drink to enjoy yourself.”
Grace Stringer, Distillery Manager, Piston Distillery, said, “As with Morgan, quality materials and craftsmanship are at our core, so it has been wonderful to work alongside another local company whose values are at least as high as ours. It’s a great idea to pay homage to Moragn’s history by using ash as its signature botanical, and adding the apple to soften the flavour has created a wonderfully distinctive gin.”
